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Innovation: the Key to America’s Future

The National Medal of Technology, managed by the Technology Administration of the U. S. Department of Commerce, is the highest honor that the President of the United States awards to American innovators. These Medal Laureates are true stars. Their contributions drive our economy, enhance our lives, maintain our competitive edge, and set the course for our future.

One of these Medal superstars was Admiral Grace Murray Hopper. Her computer programming achievements showcase an innovator who harnessed her enthusiasm and used her curiosity and competitive American spirit to accomplish new advances in information technology. America's early leadership in this field was enhanced by her contributions.

One of the missions of the Technology Administration is to encourage students to pursue the opportunities and excitement that science and technology offer. We accomplish this by highlighting fun, interesting, and creative student programs as well as encouraging our Medal Laureates to share with students their paths to success and their enthusiasm for technology innovation.

Every student has a stake in the future of innovation. We want to give every student the tools to be a superstar. In an effort to encourage the next generation of innovators to pursue their curiosity and ideas, NCWIT provides opportunities for us to share personal experiences with programs that work well and that grab students' imagination.

I look forward to an active and open exchange of thought on nationwide programs that succeed in sparking curiosity and encouraging pursuits in innovation and technology.